The Addams Family
at Woodgrove High School

Reviewed on April 28, 2018

Claire Poirier
Loudoun Valley High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky, they're all together ooky, the Addams family! One normal night is not in store for the cast of the Addams Family at Woodgrove High School. Follow a tale of love, family politics, dead people, and Spanish steel as this comically dark family tries for the sake of their daughter, Wednesday, to be something that they have all been avoiding like the plague for years: being normal.

The Addams Family musical premiered on Broadway in 2010, composed by Andrew Lippa and written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. The musical is based on an iconic family with a taste for death from Charles Addams's single-panel cartoons, which eventually spawned a tv series and other adaptations. The tale centers around grown-up Wednesday Addams who wants to get married to a boy named Lucas, but first she wants to have him and his parents over for dinner to ensure the families can get along. As the entire family attempts to act normal for the dinner, secrets are revealed, marriages are threatened, and chaos reigns.

Their dark affinities aside, the show is incomplete without one of the arguably most romantic couples of all time: Gomez and Morticia Addams. Gomez Addams (Lukas D'Errico) shined as the vocal powerhouse of the show, captivating the audience whenever he sauntered on stage. His consistent and believable accent only enhanced his character, causing him to radiate pure magnetism. He also displayed Gomez's softer side, evident in numbers like Happy/Sad where he and his daughter Wednesday (Miranda Huffer) made every father and daughter pair in the audience sigh, reminding them of the special love between a father and his child. His on-stage connection to his family did not stop with Wednesday. His chemistry with Morticia (Carolina Kirkpatrick) was undeniable, as the two embodied zest and romantic tension in numbers like Tango de Amor. Kirkpatrick ensnared the audience with her vocals and the swing of her hips, walking in a way that made her seem older and quite terrifying to anyone that stood in her way.

An array of superb supporting actors can make a show truly memorable. Alice Beineke (Grace Harkins) had a powerful belt that soared across the stage, marking her transformation from a repressed housewife to the woman that she was always meant to be. Her husband, Mal (Ricky Byrd) portrayed the stiff stereotypical businessman until he truly blossomed when he donned his Grateful Dead t-shirt. Uncle Fester (Jonathan Wilkerson), acting as the narrator of the show, was nothing short of adorable, making the audience audibly aw and giggle whenever he was on stage. His love affair with the moon is truly a love for the history books. Dragging herself along was the eccentric 102-year-old grandma (Caroline Roden), tricking the entire audience into truly believing she was an old woman, causing hysterics by milking every single moment she was on stage.

No show is complete without strong technical elements, like the set and makeup. The set dominated the stage, including moveable staircases that were utilized brilliantly throughout the show. The makeup highlighted the dead and the undead, making the ancestors look emaciated and disturbed and creating the impression that even the living had a connection to the dead.

The Addams Family is unique and weird and that is just the way they like it. The musical demonstrates that what makes us special is what is different about us, and that is just the way it should be. As Morticia says, "what is normal for the spider is a calamity for the fly."

Nick Tortora
Loudoun Valley High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

"When you're an Addams," you have incredible command of stage and stunning vocals, and that's just what the students of Woodgrove High School proved in their production of The Addams Family. Darkly comedic, Woodgrove High School didn't hesitate to emphasize mature moments of innuendo, giving the actors something fresh to work with and enhancing the atmosphere of hilarity.

Based on the 1964 TV show, The Addams Family opened on Broadway in 2010 with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. It features the iconic family, but something is horribly wrong: Wednesday is happy and in love. As her family discovers her affections for Lucas Beineke, they each react melodramatically, and hilarity ensues at the families' joint dinner, teaching the characters and the audience not only the importance of love and connection but also the power of honesty in maintaining it.

Lukas D'Errico as Gomez Addams riveted the audience with his 4th-wall-breaking solos, appearing much older and more mature than his age and exuding a powerful fatherly energy that made for a heartwarming connection with his daughter, Wednesday. D'Errico and his wife, Morticia (Carolina Kirkpatrick), forged a feisty, teasing relationship that made the two of them a tango-ing pair no one could rip their eyes away from. In her own right, Kirkpatrick was stunning in her stage presence and vocal ability. She used every part of her being, physical and mental, to take control of each situation, complementing her character and her dynamics with others.

Providing a sharp contrast to the dark horrors of the Addams family, Alice Beineke (Grace Harkins), Lucas's mother, radiated cheerful energy, until one accidental drink of ‘acremonium' let out not only the dark side of Alice, but Harkins's powerful voice as well. In her song "Waiting," Harkins belted her woes through the auditorium, leaving jaws dropped in the audience. Her husband Mal (Ricky Byrd) went through a similar although opposite change, moving from stiff and skeptical to free and young again. With the addition of a Grateful Dead t-shirt, Byrd's character became the fun, spontaneous spirit he once was. Overall, Harkins and Byrd's abilities to create change in their characters allowed the relationship between the two to reinvent itself beautifully over the course of the show.

Not to be lost in the background, Grandma Addams (Caroline Roden) knew how to make a moment for herself, stealing scenes in all the right ways and playing up her ripe old age of 102 in her stage movement. Right alongside her, Pugsley Addams (Rachel Wilkinson) was convincingly young, childish, and squeaky in personality. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Uncle Fester (Jonathan Wilkerson) appeared older than the rest of the family; with the notable exception, of course, of Grandma. Overall, the multi-generational aspect of these three characters allowed the Addams family to be just what they are; a family.

A stunning, two-story set framed the Addams household, allowing for an excellent use of space by the actors. On point lighting shifts allowed the audience to know where the focus was and what environment they were in, especially during Gomez's 4th wall breaks. Clear sound and a balanced orchestra allowed the story to be heard and understood, with all its witty one-liners coming through in full hilarity.

Woodgrove High School's production of The Addams Family gave the whole package: it amused, it depressed, it was rambunctious, it was somber. In the end, of course, none of that matters; after all, "death is just around the corner."

Nadia Leiby
Loudoun Valley High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

Are you looking for an evening that is spooktacular? In search of a night at the theatre that makes you laugh so hard your bones rattle? Then look no further than Woodgrove High School's "The Addams Family".

Based on the iconic comics by Charles Addams, "The Addams Family" is a musical comedy with music by Andrew Lippa and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. Unlike the well-known television series or multiple movie adaptations, the musical takes a familiar and domestic turn when Wednesday Addams, beloved daughter to Gomez and Morticia, falls in love with a "normal" boy named Lucas. When Lucas and his parents, Alice and Mal Beineke, come over for dinner, chaos ensues as the Addams' make a desperate (and failed) attempt at being "normal."

Gomez Addams (Lukas D'Errico) and Morticia Addams (Carolina Kirkpatrick) had undeniable chemistry as the historic and seductive patriarchs of the Addams household. Though they are both underclassmen, D'Errico and Kirkpatrick appeared mature and strong through their physicality and voice. Gomez's vocals were outstanding and his comedic timing was impeccable, nailing every innuendo - arguably one of the most enjoyable parts of the show. Alice Beineke (Grace Harkins) was an absolute standout not only through her commitment to character but with her powerhouse and knockout vocal ability. While Alice lost the "lid off of her id" during "Waiting", Alice's vocals stayed controlled while wowing everyone in the room. Jonathan Wilkerson was a perfect fit for his role as Uncle Fester, bringing a cute and charming character to the stage and to the production. Making eye contact with the audience is a unique part of "The Addams Family" production and Wilkerson pulled it off flawlessly. Grandma Addams (Caroline Roden) was cackle-worthy. Not only was she hilarious, but her physicality to represent old age was impeccable and believable. Lurch (Wyatt Blauer) utilized his mostly-silent role to add wonderful physical comedy to the show, and nailed his solo in "Move Toward the Darkness". Standout numbers such as "When You're an Addams", "One Normal Night", and "Full Disclosure" highlighted intrinsic and impressive harmonies that were truly to die for.

"The Addams Family" calls for some raunchy lines, and some schools choose to omit or change them. At Woodgrove High School, the script was left as-is, leaving the integrity of the production to its full potential. The makeup (Heather Peterson) was spooky in the best way - ancestors and Addamses alike appeared dead and decaying! Sound (Josh Smith, Jordan Kottman, Max Norris) was free of pops and bumps which made the production even more enthralling than it already was. The costumes of the ancestors (Lauren Bogle, Ellie Dillon) were wonderful and distinct.

If you're in search of a gut-trembling, bone-chilling night, look no further than Woodgrove High School's "The Addams Family". You may even die of laughter - and that's the best way to go!

Megan Horgan
Loudoun Valley High School
Submitted for publication to Loudoun Now

To be an Addams it takes passion, power, and a love for the darker side of things. Woodgrove High School's production of "The Addams Family" did a fantastic job displaying what it means to be an Addams.

When Wednesday Addams, their mischievous 18 year old daughter, falls in love with a "regular" boy from Ohio, the two families try to find some understanding for each other over dinner. But a little secret, some potion, and a visit from the dead bring more turmoil to the evening than any of them expected. "The Addams Family" first appeared as cartoon strips from the incredibly imaginative Charles Addams in 1938. After its success as multiple renditions as a TV series, cartoons, and an Addams Family movie, this kooky family finally took the Broadway stage in 2010. It was written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music written by Andrew Lippa. Surprisingly, "The Addams Family" brought in mostly negative reviews and closed after 722 performances, but was revived in Chicago in 2015.

Lukas D'Errico (Gomez Addams) displayed a powerful presence on stage and awed the audience with his beautifully strong voice. D'Errico showed a true understanding of his character though each motion he made. Every hand gesture, step, or glance of the eye had a clear, specific purpose. Through this, D'Errico dominated the stage and the audience picked up on his strong, charismatic persona. Carolina Kirkpatrick (Morticia Addams) and D'Errico created beautiful, teasing chemistry on stage. Their interactions as husband and wife were genuine and authentic, making the audience long for a love as passionate and strong as theirs. Kirkpatrick drew the audience in with her mesmeric voice and made the story clear. Kirkpatrick also displayed notable dancing and commitment to her character in her movements.

Grace Harkins (Alice Beineke) was another dynamic voice that blew the audience away. Her powerful vocals dominated the space, making her shining moments some of the most memorable parts of the show. Caroline Roden (Grandma Addams) and Jonathan Wilkerson (Uncle Fester) each created stand-out, fun characters. Roden was able to deliver the old age of the Grandma through her physicality, but still carry that crazy-lady spunk. Wilkerson created a memorable character through his success in comedic lines. He displayed a true sense of comedic timing, allowing the audience to consistently pick up on his hilarious one-liners. Wyatt Blauer (Lurch) had the audience laughing with each motion he made, despite never saying a word. His physicality, yet limited, told his story effectively without dominating the stage too much, until his moment to shine finally came.

The actors couldn't have properly delivered their creepy, kooky characteristics without the help of the tech crew. The sharp cues of Tony Peyton's lighting design aided to the storytelling throughout the show, and helped establish the ghoulish feel of the Addams.

Through powerful vocals, dynamic character choices, and beautifully thought out lighting, Woodgrove High School conjured up a fantastic production. The charisma and drive of the actors had the audience wanting to join them in moving toward the darkness.

Jane Kearns
Oakcrest School
Submitted for publication to Loudoun Times-Mirror

When you're an Addams, your life is anything but normal. The musical The Addams Family, written by Andrew Lippa and based on the well-loved television show, movie, and comic strip explores the family's short-lived quest for normalcy. It begins when Wednesday Addams falls hopelessly in love with a boy named Lucas Beineke, and they pledge to marry each other as soon as they can. When the Beineke family is invited over to dinner at the Addams', Wednesday tells her father about her engagement, and realizes she must make her family seem as normal as possible so she can live out her dreams with Lucas. In the following confusion, drama, and hilarity that ensues, brought about by an all-star cast and crew, both families learn what it means to truly be yourself.

The Addams family itself showed excellent on-stage chemistry, lead especially by the parents, Gomez Addams (Lukas D'Errico) and Morticia (Carolina Kirkpatrick). D'Errico and Kirkpatrick were both excellent singers and dancers, and showed incredible commitment to their characters, portraying them maturely and leading to an authentic performance. The Addams children, Wednesday (Miranda Huffer) and Pugsley (Rachel Wilkinson) showed the same commitment and were able to show the more youthful side of the family with more carefree and light movements pertaining to children their age. Uncle Fester (Jonathan Wilkerson) contributed greatly to the comedic aspect of the show with both wonderful comedic timing and a spot-on character interpretation. Grandma Addams (Caroline Roden) was also a high comedic point of the show, and she made every single line she had as funny as possible. Her stage presence made her stand out during her scenes, and the hard work she put into her role was quite present.

The Beineke family greatly added to the hilarity and dimension of the musical. Alice Beineke's (Grace Harkins) stunning vocals and dramatic character transformation was a wonderful addition to the show that moved the audience. Mal Beineke (Ricky Byrd) and Lucas Beineke (Joey Harkins) also had plot-twisting character changes that inspired the audience to be themselves. This family paired with the Addams created many knee-slapping moments throughout the show.

The show's use of an impressive two-story set, colored lights, and projections helped to bring the show to life and make it believable. The makeup on the ancestors was also very well done, as were their individual costumes. The lighting cues were well-timed and the sound effects were spot-on. The use of exclusive lighting during different portions of the show also helped the audience distinguish between live action and a character's vocalized thought process. Each song was well-performed by the student orchestra, and paired with the choreography onstage, it was truly an impressive show.

Overall, The Addams Family was a very enjoyable musical brought to life by a skilled and committed cast. Each song was entertaining and delightful, and each dance was well-performed. Although the Addams never did become truly normal, they became more unfraid than ever to be themselves. As Morticia says, "I'm just like any modern woman trying to have it all. Loving husband, a family. It's just, I wish I had more time to seek out the dark forces and join their hellish crusade."

TT Weidenkopf
Oakcrest School
Submitted for publication to The Woodgrove Outlander

The Addams family is one of the most beloved and successful TV families in America, having been made into several movies, a TV show and a musical. Written by Andrew Lippa, the show was first performed in 2010 on Broadway. Woodgrove High Schools rendition of this delightfully horrifying show dazzled the audience with its spectacular vocals, enchanting set and hysterically wonderful characters.

Woodgrove High School's performing arts program put on a superb show with delightful characters. In particular Gomez Addams (Lukas D'Errico), the father of the Addams family, was astounding with his Spanish accent, well timed one liners and enjoyable vocals. Particularly in the numbers Trapped and Happy Sad. Gomez's counterpart and wife Morticia (Carolina Kirkpatrick) was the sophisticated, enchanting mother of the Addams family and amazed all by her vocals and dance number's in Tango de Amor and Just Around the Corner. The rapport between Morticia and Gomez was set in the first act and developed even further in the second act illustrating the intensity of their love. Other characters had exceptional vocals and belting abilities such as Alice Beineke (Grace Harkins) in Waiting, and Wednesday Addams (Miranda Huffer) in Pulled. Several characters, such as Grandma Addams (Caroline Roden), Uncle Fester (Jonathon Wilkerson), and Puglsey Addams (Rachel Wilkinson) pulled at the heartstrings of the audience with their hysterical demeanor, body language and total commitment to character even when they weren't reciting lines.

The amount of work and preparation put into the show was easily seen through the grandeur of the set, costumes and makeup, and lighting. Caroline Roden's construction and design of the set allowed for smooth transitions and a true glimpse into the life of the Addams Family with its dark, brooding colors and beautiful simplicity. Complementing the deathlike, haunted set were the costumes, designed by Lauren Bogle and Ellie Dillon, and the makeup, designed by Heather Peterson, Mackenzie Martin and Megan James. They assisted in the transport of the actors and actresses into their characters and very nearly resembled the original Addams family makeup, with their own modern twist. The lighting, designed by Tony Peyton and Joey Stitt, was exquisitely done, subtle enough to accompany the show without overpowering it.

Woodgrove put on a dazzling show by preserving the integrity of the script by not changing its original jokes and language, keeping the Addams Family Musical as it was meant to be seen.

Leah Ican
Woodbridge Senior High School
Submitted for publication to The Woodgrove Outlander

Badadadum *snap snap* badadadum *snap snap* badadadum badadadum badadadum *snap snap*. Sound familiar? Then you must be a fan of the gruesomely wonderful Addams Family. The family everyone grew to love and enjoy was turned into a musical with music by Andrew Lippa and the book created by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. The show was first performed on Broadway in 2010. The story takes our little Wednesday Addams and places her in early adulthood. She's found love and is trying to keep it a secret from her mother until the families meet. With all the awkwardness that a first time dinner party provides, Woodgrove High School performed a great rendition of The Addams Family.

What is a family without the mother? The lovely Morticia Addams was played by Carolina Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick was delightfully gloomy and deliciously scandalous in her role as Morticia. She embodied the sexiness as well as classiness of a well known character. Her articulation was on point and tonal quality matched with precision. Her most notable moments were her duets with Gomez Addams played by Lucas D'Errico. Their chemistry was on fire and D'Errico as the Latin lover did not disappoint.

D'Errico did an excellent portrayal of Gomez. His use of comedic timing and facial expressions provided fantastic insight into what he was really thinking. D'Errico's most notable feature was his ability to keep a strong accent throughout the whole show. From lines to songs, his voice did not waver. Despite the thickness of his accent, he still managed to provide beautiful renditions of songs like "Trapped" and "Happy/Sad".

Costumes and makeup set the tone for the show. Each ancestor looked extremely unique, with every character representing a different style or era, and yet thematically similar with the all white color palette. Makeup provided a deliciously eerie effect, with gaunt cheeks and over-accented dark circles - the living dead was up on that stage. The orchestra did an excellent job of balancing volume with the actors' voices, while the recorded sound effects were consistently on cue and helped add to the overall performance. Woodgrove High School's The Addams Family was a comedic delight from start to finish… full disclosure!